by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

Got Olympic fever? It’s almost time again to cheer on Team USA at the 2018 Winter Games! If you’re gearing up to plan an epic Olympics watching party, just don’t forget to be safe! We aren’t all Olympic athletes after all. Lucky for you, we’ve got some hot tips on how to root on the red, white & blue, all while staying Red Cross Ready!

1) Make your own majestic Olympic torch!

What better way to kick off the Games than lighting your very own Olympic torch? Not literally lighting though, that would be a serious fire hazard. (This seems like a good time to remind you to test your smoke alarm batteries!) This fab & fire-free DIY version is a much safer option (or this version, which glows, even without fire!).

2) Pump your party up with some triumphant tunes!

Get everyone inspired to embrace their inner champion with a pump up playlist! Some classics to feature: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “One Shining Moment” by Luther Vandross &, of course, “We Are The Champions” by Queen. Need more inspiration? Check out the Go USA playlist on Pandora!

The only danger is your guests getting a little too pumped up…maybe have our First Aid app downloaded on your phone, so you can deal with any minor bumps & bruises. Just in case.

3) Make an Olympic-sized feast!

From these easy & super adorable popcorn Olympic torches to a traditional Korean Bulgogi dish in honor of the Pyeong Chang Games, there are a million delightfully delicious ways to celebrate the Olympics.

As always when cooking, don’t forget to practice kitchen safety! If you’re using heat of any kind, don’t leave the stove or grill unattended. Keep kids, pets and anything that can catch on fire away from your heating appliances. Buy a fire extinguisher & keep it in your kitchen.

4) Invite healthy partiers only!

Nothing bums out the party like the flu. So sorry, snifflers, please stay home! Have guests use common sense to keep everyone healthy. Wash hands frequently, especially before digging into the aforementioned delightful Olympic snacks. Get the flu shot to protect yourself! And again, if someone feels sick, please don’t come & ruin the Olympic spirit for everyone.

Check out more flu safety tips here!

5) Award your champions with their own Olympic medals!

Play games or award the best potluck dishes with your own DIY Olympic medals! There this alarmingly realistic version, but we prefer this one, since it involves cookies. Other fun Olympic crafts ideas include score cards, so you can score along at home, and Olympic ring chains to really make your party festive.

As with all crafts, always be safe, especially if you’re enlisting the help of kiddos. Use child-safe scissors & always have an adult handle the hot glue gun. Keep a first aid kit on hand, just in case!

With that, go off & throw the best (& safest) Olympics watching party ever. And go Team USA!!